Have fun with Aztec this season

Archana Mishra, Nov 9, 2012, DHNS

Remember the short skirt flaunted by glamorous Veronica (Deepika Padukone) and a jumpsuit by elegant Meera (Diana Penty) in song Tumhi ho bandhu in Cocktail? A common aspect that both the outfits shared were colourful prints in geometric patterns.

In fashion now, these prints more popularly known as the tribal print Aztec are grabbing eyeballs of fashionistas. The trend is now smartly being sported by other Bollywood divas like Kareena Kapoor, Sarah Jane, Bipasha Basu, Priyanka Chopra and one of India’s foremost fashion divas Sonam Kapoor who sported an Aztec line in monochromatic tones in a Jean-Paul Gaultier design at Cannes.

Having its origin in the tribes of Central Mexico, Aztec prints are about strong colours, geometrical shapes like triangles, circles, rectangles and squares, and a mix of vertical and horizontal lines. The colours can vary from bold primary colours like orange, pink, red and green to warmer earthy tones. What makes this print interesting is its frequent use in different kinds of attire like skirts, tunics, sweaters, cardigans, leggings, jumpsuits and long-flowing gowns. Not only this, the prints have found their place even in accessories like bags, clutch purses and shoes.

After dominating the international ramp, the Aztec has become the Indian designers’ hot favourite too. At the WIFW recently, designer Surily Goel beautifully played with the Aztec on silhouettes ranging from playsuits, asymmetrical dresses, mini dresses and skirts. “Aztec gives a tribal feel but we wanted to make it brighter and younger, so I played with colourful beads and patterns,” says Surily. Since the fad is gradually catching up, the designer says, “The print has a lot of scope in Indian wear for it can incorporated in kurtis, duppattas and in traditional colours like ruby and emerald.”

As the winter approaches, Aztec can be an apt choice for a fashion statement. “Definitely, the prints can be used in winter. Besides basic wears like sweaters and cardigans, go for Aztec prints boots and pair them up with simple, stark dresses. It could work well in heavier fabrics like wool but the colours need to be warmer,” says Surily.

Those willing to experiment with Aztec, this season needs to be bit careful because excessive prints on a single dress can make you look stout. For those who are healthy, team an Aztec skirt with a plain top. Aztec prints on long sweaters paired with light jeans can be fun too.